JERSEY RFC have signed 24-year-old prop forward James Gethings from Championship side Esher.

The former Ireland U19 international is 6 ft 2 in and can play both sides of the scrum, which is a huge bonus for Ben Harvey as he seeks to re-strengthen after seeing squad numbers dwindle through injuries this season.

In the front row alone Jersey have lost the services of Jon Brennan and James Ellershaw for the season, while Dai Maddocks, only just returning to action, was forced to pull out of last week’s match against Cinderford due to an injury sustained in the warm-up.

Gethings is likely to be included in Jersey’s squad for their National I fixture away to Wharfedale this Saturday, when the league leaders will bid for their 15th consecutive league win.